Analog Devices Inc. ADRF5716-EVALZ

Overview

ADRF5716-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to characterize and validate the ADRF5716 silicon digital attenuator - a 2-bit, ultra-wideband (100 MHz to 30 GHz), 48 dB range RF attenuator in a 3.00 mm × 3.00 mm LGA package. It supports dual-supply (±3.3 V) and single-supply (3.3 V/VSS = GND) operation, features parallel CMOS/LVTTL control (D5/D6/LE), and enables rapid prototyping for millimeter-wave infrastructure and test instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the ADRF5716-EVALZ datasheet, ADRF5716-EVALZ pinout, ADRF5716-EVALZ application, or ADRF5716-EVALZ equivalent, this board provides full access to the ADRF5716's ATTIN/ATTOUT RF ports, VDD/VSS power rails, and D5/D6/LE digital control interface - enabling accurate measurement of insertion loss, attenuation accuracy, settling time, and linearity across frequency bands up to 30 GHz.

Technical Context

The ADRF5716-EVALZ implements a coplanar waveguide (CPWG) PCB layout with 50 Ω matched RF traces (16 mil width, 6 mil ground clearance), optimized for Rogers RO4003 substrate (12 mil thickness, 2.2 mil copper). It includes dedicated bypassing (100 pF) on VDD/VSS lines and maximizes thermal performance via dense via arrays under the exposed pad and RF routing paths.

Board-level design follows Analog Devices' recommended stackup and transition geometry: solder-mask-defined ground pads, pad-defined signal pads, tapered 90° RF trace extensions, and multi-aperture paste mask for the LGA thermal paddle. The board supports both direct and latched parallel mode control of the ADRF5716 via accessible test points and jumper-selectable LE logic.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADRF5716-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 5G millimeter-wave base station development, military radar front-end validation, microwave radio transceiver testing, and high-frequency instrumentation requiring stable component supply and repeatable RF characterization.

Supply support for ADRF5716-EVALZ includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Analog Devices, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF ICs, serving precision instrumentation, communications, industrial, and defense markets since 1965.

The ADRF5716-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave Evaluation Platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate design-in and performance verification of their high-frequency silicon attenuators, switches, and gain blocks in real-world mmWave signal chains.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the ADRF5716-EVALZ?

The ADRF5716-EVALZ is a fully assembled and tested evaluation board that enables engineers to characterize the ADRF5716 digital attenuator under real operating conditions. It provides calibrated 50 Ω RF input/output paths, configurable power supply options (dual or single), and direct access to all control signals - allowing precise measurement of insertion loss, attenuation accuracy, step error, and RF settling time across 100 MHz to 30 GHz.

Does the ADRF5716-EVALZ support both dual-supply and single-supply operation of the ADRF5716?

Yes, the ADRF5716-EVALZ supports both configurations via onboard jumpers. Dual-supply mode uses +3.3 V on VDD and −3.3 V on VSS, while single-supply mode connects VSS to ground and applies +3.3 V to VDD. The board's schematic and layout preserve signal integrity and thermal performance in both modes, as validated in the ADRF5716 datasheet Rev. B.

How is RF matching implemented on the ADRF5716-EVALZ?

The ADRF5716-EVALZ uses a coplanar waveguide (CPWG) structure with 16 mil trace width and 6 mil ground clearance on Rogers RO4003 substrate to achieve stable 50 Ω impedance. The ATTIN and ATTOUT pads are 1:1 matched to the ADRF5716 LGA footprint, with tapered 90° transitions and solder-mask-defined ground pads - ensuring minimal discontinuity and return loss <−17 dB up to 30 GHz.

Can the ADRF5716-EVALZ be used for hot-switching RF power tests?

Yes - the ADRF5716-EVALZ maintains the ADRF5716's rated hot-switching capability of 30 dBm (dual-supply) or 18 dBm (single-supply) across 100 MHz–30 GHz. Its robust grounding, low-inductance VDD/VSS decoupling (100 pF), and thermal via array under the exposed pad ensure reliable operation during dynamic RF state changes without latch-up or degradation.

Are schematic, layout, and bill-of-materials files available for the ADRF5716-EVALZ?

Yes - Analog Devices provides complete design resources for the ADRF5716-EVALZ, including Gerber files, assembly drawings, BOM, and schematic PDFs on the product page (analog.com/ADRF5716-EVALZ). These files reflect the Rev. B validated implementation and are intended for reference, replication, and custom derivative board development.